Help and support others

If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed, they have taken the hardest and first step towards recovery. They have chosen you because they trust you and need someone to confide in. Different people will respond to such incidents in different ways.

Listen

Actively listen to them. Try not to interrupt. Let them talk at their own pace, silence is okay. Respect their privacy and do not disclose anything they have said to anyone else unless you have their permission.

Do not blame

Do not judge or blame them for anything that happened. Sexual assault and sexual harassment can happen to anyone and can be committed by anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Your friend may blame themselves for what has happened so be mindful what you say and how you make them feel.

Support them

The victim or survivor has to decide what they want to do. Do not tell them what they should or should not do. You can help best by suggesting where they can go to get information, advice and assistance.

Support for you

You may have your own feelings to deal with including feeling upset, anger, disbelief, confusion or emotional stress from hearing a disclosure. It is okay to step back and let experienced services continue the support. You only need to be a friend, not an expert. The decisions are theirs to make.

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